Review: 2025 Nissan Frontier Makes a Case for Simple, Honest Trucks

 2025 Nissan Frontier: More Configurations, Strong Towing, and Key Updates

Automakers have long recognized that simplifying vehicle lineups improves efficiency, leading to a reduction in trim levels and configurations across the industry. Even pickup trucks, traditionally known for their diverse options, have followed this trend. However, Nissan is taking a different approach with the 2025 Frontier, expanding its configurations despite discontinuing the full-size Titan. Alongside these changes, the Frontier also receives a facelift and several key updates.

More Choices Than Ever

The 2025 Nissan Frontier is available in five trim levels and offers both extended- and crew-cab configurations, with options for either a short or long bed and rear- or four-wheel drive. A notable update is the expansion of the six-foot-bed crew cab, which was previously exclusive to the SV trim, but can now be configured with Pro-4X and SL trims. With these updates, the Frontier now offers 17 different configurations, despite featuring only one powertrain—a 310-hp, 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V-6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Performance and Off-Road Capability

In Pro-4X trim, equipped with a crew cab and short bed, the Frontier boasts several off-road enhancements and a tougher exterior design. While it doesn’t quite match the extreme off-road capabilities of rivals like the Ford Ranger Raptor, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, or Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, it holds its own against mid-tier off-road models such as the Ranger FX4, Colorado Trail Boss, and Tacoma TRD Off-Road.

When it comes to performance, the 2025 Frontier accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, similar to the 2022 Pro-4X but slightly slower than the 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road. Its steering and body control are respectable for a body-on-frame truck, with braking distance from 70 mph measured at 183 feet and 0.76 g of grip on the skidpad. While not as refined as the unibody Honda Ridgeline, it offers driving dynamics comparable to the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma.

Affordability and Value

The Frontier remains competitively priced compared to its mid-size truck rivals, offering more horsepower than the base Tacoma and a larger bed than the crew-cab-only Colorado. For those who prefer larger displacement engines, it is also the most affordable V-6 pickup truck on the market.

Additionally, while some mid-size pickups can exceed $65,000 in fully loaded trims, the Frontier remains under $50,000, even with all available options. The Pro-4X model we tested had a base price of $43,280 and topped out at $50,245 after adding optional features.

Interior Updates and Fuel Economy Concerns

Despite its affordable pricing, the Frontier’s interior remains fairly basic, even after its 2022 redesign. However, Nissan has made some notable improvements for 2025, including a larger touchscreen display and, finally, a telescoping steering wheel. These changes enhance comfort and usability, making the new Frontier significantly more livable than its predecessor, which remained largely unchanged for over a decade.

Fuel efficiency remains a weak point, with the 2022 Frontier achieving just 20 mpg in highway testing—2 mpg lower than the latest Tacoma equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While the 2025 model’s fuel economy has yet to be tested, it is unlikely to see significant improvements.

Towing and Final Thoughts

One area where the 2025 Nissan Frontier shines is towing capacity. Nissan has increased its max tow rating to 7,150 pounds, surpassing the Tacoma’s 6,500-pound limit.

In summary, while the Frontier may lack the refinement and efficiency of some competitors, it compensates with strong towing capability, multiple configurations, and a competitive price point.